President Vladimir Putin has signed a law banning the adoption of children by same-sex couples as part of an increasingly conservative agenda the Kremlin has pursued since his return to power.
Earlier this week, Putin signed another law banning gay "propaganda" that human rights groups say has fueled hate crimes against homosexuals.
Putin, who has embraced the Russian Orthodox Church as a moral authority and harnessed its influence as a source of political support, has championed socially conservative values since starting a new, six-year term in May last year.
The latest law aims to protect children from "dictated non-traditional sexual behavior" and rid them of "distresses of soul and stresses, which according to psychologists' research, are often experienced by children raised by same-sex parents," according to a fact sheet on the Kremlin's website.
The 60-year-old president, who signed the adoptions bill Wednesday, denies that there is discrimination against gays in Russia.
Homosexuality was decriminalized after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, but a recent poll by the independent Levada Center found that 38 percent of Russians believe gay people need treatment, and 13 percent said they should face prosecution.
Gay rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev said of the new law: "I think it will lead to an increase in corruption in the [adoption] process, but many foreigners, including homosexuals, will still be able to adopt Russian children in the future."
Foreign adoptions in Russia are largely run by agencies that act as go-betweens for state institutions and adopting families.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
